Ky Son ginger specialty - spicy and rich in flavor

“Ky Son” ginger has unique characteristics in appearance and quality that can be easily distinguished from ginger roots in other regions.

In Nghe An , ginger has been grown for a long time in the mountainous district of Ky Son, where many H'mong ethnic people live. In Ky Son, local people produce two types of ginger: ginger and buffalo ginger. Ginger is mainly used for domestic consumption, while buffalo ginger is for export. "Ky Son" ginger products are processed into essential oils, spices, flavorings, medicinal herbs, foods, etc. "Ky Son" ginger has unique morphological and quality characteristics that can be easily distinguished from ginger tubers in other regions. "Ky Son" ginger has small tubers, round stems, and many branches. The peel and pulp are ivory white, the core is light yellow, and has many fibers. The aroma is characteristic, and the taste is strong and spicy. "Ky Son" buffalo horn ginger has large tubers, round stems, and few branches. The peel and pulp are white, the core is light yellow, and has few fibers. The aroma is characteristic, and the taste is strong and spicy. Ginger in Ky Son is grown in the communes of Na Ngoi, Bao Thang, Dooc May, Muong Long, Huoi Tu, Tay Son, Nam Can, Nam Can, Muong Ai, Muong Tip, Keng Du, Na Loi, Bac Ly, My Ly and Bao Nam. This is an area with terrain mainly mountains over 700m above sea level, with many undulating, rugged layers, relatively large slopes, an average slope of 35 degrees. The characteristics of "Ky Son" ginger are determined by soil properties such as Molybdenum, Copper, Zinc, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Total Potassium, Easily Digestible Potassium, Soil Acidity and Clay Content in the soil. In particular, the content of Total Potassium and Easily Digestible Potassium plays a very important role in the formation of spicy substances Gingerol and the essential oil content in ginger root. In addition to the natural factors affecting the quality of Ky Son ginger, the experience and secrets of the producers also make the product unique. Right from the seed selection stage, people choose firm, not too young, not too old, shiny tubers, about 10 - 11 months old as seeds, choose a suitable cultivation season for the climate where there is fog all year round, regularly mound the roots during the care process to help the plants grow well or cultivate them in a fallow method for 2 to 3 years. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Techniques for growing ginger in pots at home for high productivity - MVietQ[/caption] In November 2019, the Department of Intellectual Property - Ministry of Science and Technology issued a Decision on granting a Certificate of Geographical Indication registration for "Ky Son" ginger products. The People's Committee of Ky Son district, Nghe An province is the organization that manages this geographical indication. This is the basis for people to actively produce, promote consumption, and affirm the Ky Son ginger brand in the market; at the same time, raising the value of local clean agricultural products to a new level. After being granted a certificate of geographical indication registration for Ky Son ginger products by the Department of Intellectual Property, mainly ginger produced in Na Ngoi commune, people will greatly expand the planting area. Therefore, the locality will have a plan to propagate and promote so that many businesses can participate in production linkage and product consumption for people.